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Winter in ARTIS

This winter, ARTIS-Park revolves around the dark. Discover nocturnal animals, starry skies, workshops and special evening openings. There are also activities for all ages in the Groote Museum and Micropia.

back to ARTIS
back to...

Winter in ARTIS

This winter, ARTIS-Park revolves around the dark. Discover nocturnal animals, starry skies, workshops and special evening openings. There are also activities for all ages in the Groote Museum and Micropia.

Everything about elephant pregnancy

During the Christmas holidays, our enthusiastic volunteers at the elephant square are happy to tell you more about the pregnancy of the Asian elephant. Visit the elephant habitat to learn how long an elephant is pregnant, how a calf develops, and what special care is involved.

Asian elephant family in ARTIS Zoo

Discover the night during the day

Even during the day, there is plenty to discover in ARTIS around the theme of darkness. Learn how animals and plants follow their day–night rhythms, and experience interactive activities that show how essential the night is for all living things.

Do the Darkness Scavenger Hunt

Developed in collaboration with Quest Junior, this scavenger hunt teaches you all about the day–night rhythm of animals and plants. Complete the trail and receive a Quest Junior gift!

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Tours

During the dark winter months, guides take you through the park and share stories about ARTIS, the animals, and their rhythms in the night.

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kids workshops

Create your own star chart, a light fan to measure light pollution in your neighbourhood, and glow-in-the-dark stickers that help you remember to switch off the lights at home.

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photo exhibit: Beauty of the Night

In the Grotto, near the sea lion habitat, you can discover the winning photos from the Life in the Night competition. Photographers of all ages captured what happens while we sleep.

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Discover the Night Cabinet

Nocturnal animals are adapted to the dark, with eyes, ears or even senses that we don’t possess. Discover more in the Night Cabinet, open daily in the Insectarium.

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Micro Mission: Stronger Together

Search through ARTIS-Micropia, solve the puzzle, and discover that no one truly lives alone. In the world of plants, animals, and microbes, everyone helps each other. But who helps whom—and why exactly?

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Tanja Up-Close in ARTIS-Groote Museum

Tanja, Amsterdam’s most famous hippopotamus, can be seen this autumn in ARTIS-Groote Museum as part of an exhibition about the relationship between humans and animals. Join the Tanja Tour and take a seat at the drawing table. In the audio tour, Merel Westrik shares her perspective on Tanja and her passion for taxidermy, and during the gathering you’ll learn more about the life of this iconic animal.

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Visit ARTIS at night

Did you know that once the sun sets, ARTIS becomes the darkest spot in Amsterdam? During eight exclusive evening openings in December and January, you can wander through the park, experience the darkness with all your senses, and perhaps even spot some stars and animals. Visit ARTIS after dark and discover just how special the night can be.

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